Michigan's Lakeshore

Physical Difficulty - Beginner

Characterized by flatter terrain and comparatively shorter distances (25–45 miles per day). These tours have minimal hill climbing and are optimal for newer or easy-going cyclists, or those traveling with friends or family members unaccustomed to cycling. Exception: Family Fun trips tend to have mileage in the 20- to 30-mile per day range.

Booking Status:

Space still available

Profiled in Santella’s book, Fifty Places to Bike Before You Die, this eight-day, self-contained tour centered in Michigan’s Leelanau Peninsula is an adventure you won’t want to miss!

We’ll enjoy local wineries, stunning pine forests, and, of course, the iconic white-sand beaches and towering dunes of Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore. We’ll also have the opportunity to visit quaint lakeside villages and lighthouses, stopping to admire crystal-clear inland lakes and spectacular views. Our layover day in beautiful Platte River State Park can be spent lying on the beach, hiking a bluff, or canoeing.

If you’re new to self-contained touring or want a relaxing week of fun riding and unforgettable scenery, this is the tour for you!

Details:

For tour details (elevation, tour type, group size, and more), click on the
Details tab above.

Meals - Shared cooking

Your group will share responsibilities for food purchase, preparation, and clean up on a rotating basis. Vegetarian and special dietary needs will be accommodated, though food selection may be limited in some locations.

Accommodations - Camping

Overnights will be at private or public campgrounds with a range of amenities. Depending on the nature and location of the trip, these facilities could range from RV parks with hot tubs, to wilderness locations without running water. Overnight facilities vary, but tents are typically pitched on large, flat, grassy areas. You will need a good freestanding tent with a ground cloth, a sleeping bag rated appropriately for the season and elevation of your tour, and a sleeping pad.

Type - Self Contained

On self-contained tours you will carry your own gear and there will be no vehicle support. Adventure Cycling's traditional self-contained tours have a single leader and around 14 participants who share cooking duties and camp for the vast majority of overnights; on longer tours, roughly one indoor night per 10 riding days is budgeted.

Physical Difficulty - Beginner

Characterized by flatter terrain and comparatively shorter distances (25–45 miles per day). These tours have minimal hill climbing and are optimal for newer or easy-going cyclists, or those traveling with friends or family members unaccustomed to cycling. Exception: Family Fun trips tend to have mileage in the 20- to 30-mile per day range.

Level Of Support - Self Contained

On self-contained tours you will carry your own gear and there will be no vehicle support. Adventure Cycling's traditional self-contained tours have a single leader and around 14 participants who share cooking duties and camp for the vast majority of overnights; on longer tours, roughly one indoor night per 10 riding days is budgeted.

Cost:

$1,099.00

Unsuitable Bicycle Types:

E-Bike, E-Trike

Overview

Profiled in Santella’s book, Fifty Places to Bike Before You Die, this eight-day, self-contained tour centered in Michigan’s Leelanau Peninsula is an adventure you won’t want to miss!

We’ll enjoy local wineries, stunning pine forests, and, of course, the iconic white-sand beaches and towering dunes of Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore. We’ll also have the opportunity to visit quaint lakeside villages and lighthouses, stopping to admire crystal-clear inland lakes and spectacular views. Our layover day in beautiful Platte River State Park can be spent lying on the beach, hiking a bluff, or canoeing. If you’re new to self-contained touring or want a relaxing week of fun riding and unforgettable scenery, this is the tour for you!

Day 1

Traverse City, 0 miles. Traverse City sits on the shore of the Grand Traverse Bay, which earned its name from the 18-century French voyageurs who called this “long crossing,” la grande traverse. We’ll meet today for the first time at beautiful Traverse City State Park, where we’ll discuss our route and divide the group gear before settling in for the night.

Day 2

Traverse City loop, 42 miles. There’s so much to see in Traverse City, we’re taking the first day to explore! We’ll pedal our unloaded bikes up the Old Mission Peninsula to visit area wineries and see the lighthouse at its tip before heading back to Traverse City.

Day 3

Traverse City to Northport, 30 miles. Today we load up and head off to the Leelanau Peninsula and the small town of Northport. Most of today will be on the paved and non-motorized TART and Leelanau trails, which will make for mostly car-free riding and loads of photo opportunities! We’ll finish the day in Northport where we’ll take a rest from camping as we cozy up indoors at the Sunrise Landing Motel.

Day 4

Northport to Lake Leelanau, 42 miles. We’ll enjoy stunning views as we pedal through cedars to Lighthouse Point located at the very tip of Leelanau, then head to the western side of the peninsula and the quaint fishing village of Leland. The short day will allow for plenty of time to explore Leland’s historic district, known as “Fishtown,” and enjoy the unique galleries, shops, and delicious restaurants. We’re then off to Lake Leelanau and our campsite along its beautiful shores.

Day 5

Lake Leelanau to Platte River, 45 miles. Most of today’s route will be along the peaceful roads in the Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore, a region that Good Morning America named “the most beautiful place in America.” Keep your cameras nearby! We’ll then make the longest climb of our trip to Inspiration Point, where we will be able to view the Manitou Islands, Big Glen Lake, and Little Glen Lake all in one panoramic sweep. Time allowing, we may have a chance to climb the iconic dunes before heading to our campsite in Platte River.

Day 6

Platte River, 0 miles. Layover day. Lots of options today! Leave your bike behind to paddle or kayak along the beautiful Platte River or explore the Lake Michigan shoreline. You could also stow your gear and pedal one of the many road bike loops.

Day 7

Platte River to Interlochen, 46 miles. We leave the national lakeshore today and head to the exceptionally clear Crystal Lake on the non-motorized Betsie River Trail. Along the way we will pass our third lighthouse of the trip, Point Betsie, before arriving in the small lakeside town of Beulah. If you’re in need of second breakfast, this is a great place to stop. Then it’s a short ride along country roads until we reach Interlochen, home of the world-renowned Interlochen Center for the Arts. We will pitch our tents for the last time under the trees of Interlochen State Park.

Day 8

Interlochen to Traverse City, 20 miles. Our last day is a short ride that will take us through the heart of Traverse City and give us an opportunity to browse the shops and pick up any final mementos of our trip. Although our time together has come to a close, we will always have our memories of this unforgettable journey along the Leelanau Peninsula (Michigan’s Lakeshore Loop).

"The scenery was gorgeous, the winery options abundant, and the lake swimming refreshing. The tour leader was extremely pleasant. All-in-all it was a total winning combination."

2015 Tour Participant

"The Leelanau Peninsula has been named the most beautiful spot in the United States: it lived up to its billing. We had a remarkable group on my tour. Everyone pitched in and helped each other out, from meal prep and clean up, to lending a hand while setting up tents in windy conditions. And our leader Alex was wonderful!"

2015 Tour Participant

"I enjoyed everything — the people in the group, the scenery, the Michigan area, and the freedom of riding and camping without the worries of life back home. Alex Campbell did a great job and was an excellent leader."

2015 Tour Participant

"Good class information followed by routes that provided opportunity to ride in about every scenario one could expect...I feel well-prepared for contingencies."

Physical Difficulty - Beginner

Characterized by flatter terrain and comparatively shorter distances (25–45 miles per day). These tours have minimal hill climbing and are optimal for newer or easy-going cyclists, or those traveling with friends or family members unaccustomed to cycling. Exception: Family Fun trips tend to have mileage in the 20- to 30-mile per day range.

Booking Status:

Space still available

Profiled in Santella’s book, Fifty Places to Bike Before You Die, this eight-day, self-contained tour centered in Michigan’s Leelanau Peninsula is an adventure you won’t want to miss!

We’ll enjoy local wineries, stunning pine forests, and, of course, the iconic white-sand beaches and towering dunes of Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore. We’ll also have the opportunity to visit quaint lakeside villages and lighthouses, stopping to admire crystal-clear inland lakes and spectacular views. Our layover day in beautiful Platte River State Park can be spent lying on the beach, hiking a bluff, or canoeing.

If you’re new to self-contained touring or want a relaxing week of fun riding and unforgettable scenery, this is the tour for you!

Meals - Shared cooking

Your group will share responsibilities for food purchase, preparation, and clean up on a rotating basis. Vegetarian and special dietary needs will be accommodated, though food selection may be limited in some locations.

Accommodations - Camping

Overnights will be at private or public campgrounds with a range of amenities. Depending on the nature and location of the trip, these facilities could range from RV parks with hot tubs, to wilderness locations without running water. Overnight facilities vary, but tents are typically pitched on large, flat, grassy areas. You will need a good freestanding tent with a ground cloth, a sleeping bag rated appropriately for the season and elevation of your tour, and a sleeping pad.

Type - Self Contained

On self-contained tours you will carry your own gear and there will be no vehicle support. Adventure Cycling's traditional self-contained tours have a single leader and around 14 participants who share cooking duties and camp for the vast majority of overnights; on longer tours, roughly one indoor night per 10 riding days is budgeted.

Physical Difficulty - Beginner

Characterized by flatter terrain and comparatively shorter distances (25–45 miles per day). These tours have minimal hill climbing and are optimal for newer or easy-going cyclists, or those traveling with friends or family members unaccustomed to cycling. Exception: Family Fun trips tend to have mileage in the 20- to 30-mile per day range.

Level Of Support - Self Contained

On self-contained tours you will carry your own gear and there will be no vehicle support. Adventure Cycling's traditional self-contained tours have a single leader and around 14 participants who share cooking duties and camp for the vast majority of overnights; on longer tours, roughly one indoor night per 10 riding days is budgeted.

Overview

Profiled in Santella’s book, Fifty Places to Bike Before You Die, this eight-day, self-contained tour centered in Michigan’s Leelanau Peninsula is an adventure you won’t want to miss!

We’ll enjoy local wineries, stunning pine forests, and, of course, the iconic white-sand beaches and towering dunes of Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore. We’ll also have the opportunity to visit quaint lakeside villages and lighthouses, stopping to admire crystal-clear inland lakes and spectacular views. Our layover day in beautiful Platte River State Park can be spent lying on the beach, hiking a bluff, or canoeing. If you’re new to self-contained touring or want a relaxing week of fun riding and unforgettable scenery, this is the tour for you!

Day 1

Traverse City, 0 miles. Traverse City sits on the shore of the Grand Traverse Bay, which earned its name from the 18-century French voyageurs who called this “long crossing,” la grande traverse. We’ll meet today for the first time at beautiful Traverse City State Park, where we’ll discuss our route and divide the group gear before settling in for the night.

Day 2

Traverse City loop, 42 miles. There’s so much to see in Traverse City, we’re taking the first day to explore! We’ll pedal our unloaded bikes up the Old Mission Peninsula to visit area wineries and see the lighthouse at its tip before heading back to Traverse City.

Day 3

Traverse City to Northport, 30 miles. Today we load up and head off to the Leelanau Peninsula and the small town of Northport. Most of today will be on the paved and non-motorized TART and Leelanau trails, which will make for mostly car-free riding and loads of photo opportunities! We’ll finish the day in Northport where we’ll take a rest from camping as we cozy up indoors at the Sunrise Landing Motel.

Day 4

Northport to Lake Leelanau, 42 miles. We’ll enjoy stunning views as we pedal through cedars to Lighthouse Point located at the very tip of Leelanau, then head to the western side of the peninsula and the quaint fishing village of Leland. The short day will allow for plenty of time to explore Leland’s historic district, known as “Fishtown,” and enjoy the unique galleries, shops, and delicious restaurants. We’re then off to Lake Leelanau and our campsite along its beautiful shores.

Day 5

Lake Leelanau to Platte River, 45 miles. Most of today’s route will be along the peaceful roads in the Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore, a region that Good Morning America named “the most beautiful place in America.” Keep your cameras nearby! We’ll then make the longest climb of our trip to Inspiration Point, where we will be able to view the Manitou Islands, Big Glen Lake, and Little Glen Lake all in one panoramic sweep. Time allowing, we may have a chance to climb the iconic dunes before heading to our campsite in Platte River.

Day 6

Platte River, 0 miles. Layover day. Lots of options today! Leave your bike behind to paddle or kayak along the beautiful Platte River or explore the Lake Michigan shoreline. You could also stow your gear and pedal one of the many road bike loops.

Day 7

Platte River to Interlochen, 46 miles. We leave the national lakeshore today and head to the exceptionally clear Crystal Lake on the non-motorized Betsie River Trail. Along the way we will pass our third lighthouse of the trip, Point Betsie, before arriving in the small lakeside town of Beulah. If you’re in need of second breakfast, this is a great place to stop. Then it’s a short ride along country roads until we reach Interlochen, home of the world-renowned Interlochen Center for the Arts. We will pitch our tents for the last time under the trees of Interlochen State Park.

Day 8

Interlochen to Traverse City, 20 miles. Our last day is a short ride that will take us through the heart of Traverse City and give us an opportunity to browse the shops and pick up any final mementos of our trip. Although our time together has come to a close, we will always have our memories of this unforgettable journey along the Leelanau Peninsula (Michigan’s Lakeshore Loop).

"The scenery was gorgeous, the winery options abundant, and the lake swimming refreshing. The tour leader was extremely pleasant. All-in-all it was a total winning combination."

2015 Tour Participant

"The Leelanau Peninsula has been named the most beautiful spot in the United States: it lived up to its billing. We had a remarkable group on my tour. Everyone pitched in and helped each other out, from meal prep and clean up, to lending a hand while setting up tents in windy conditions. And our leader Alex was wonderful!"

2015 Tour Participant

"I enjoyed everything — the people in the group, the scenery, the Michigan area, and the freedom of riding and camping without the worries of life back home. Alex Campbell did a great job and was an excellent leader."

2015 Tour Participant

"Good class information followed by routes that provided opportunity to ride in about every scenario one could expect...I feel well-prepared for contingencies."

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Adventure Cycling Association inspires and empowers people to travel by bicycle.